Some Picks From Ann Taylor Loft in XXS Petite

Fellow tiny petite, Susie, asked for some advice navigating the clothing options at Ann Taylor LOFT, specifically dresses, pants and jeans. The LOFT near me has horrible XXS and 00 petite offerings, so I checked out the on-line inventory for this one.

While I haven’t had the opportunity to personally try on all of these items, I listed the details that gave me clues as to whether or not the item would work for a tiny petite. I know not everything I picked is available on-line in XXS or 00 petite, but check your local Ann Taylor LOFT or give customer service a call (1-800-342-5266) to locate something in another store.

Dresses:

I was asked to find a LBD, but didn’t see anything that stood out in the current inventory. As fall merchandise starts to trickle in, the options for a LBD will get better…so for now, I’ll post a good choice for a spring/summer dress:

I like this dress because:

93% cotton, 7% spandex fabric content means it will be a bit stretchy, and thus cut smaller…perfect for women with thinner frames.

V-neckline is generally flattering on small frames, and shorter gals.

Ribbing at the empire waist nips the garment in at the waist, which helps show off smaller curves, and helps to avoid looking overwhelmed in fabric.

The ruffle detail is small, so it adds interest without adding bulk or looking overwhelming on a small frame.

Sleeveless style is easier to alter than a garment with sleeves. If the neckline is too low, just take up the straps. Easy and cheap!

Ann Taylor LOFT petite sweaters run pretty small! They are usually a tiny bit roomy on me right off the rack, but after a wash or two, fit perfectly. This is probably due to seam allowance, or the extra room garment manufacturers leave in clothing to allow for shrinkage during washing.

I like these sweaters because:

100% pima cotton will take in a bit after washing for a snugger fit.

V-neckline is flattering and helps shorter gals avoid looking stumpy.

Comes in a bunch of colors.

Great to put over a dress for warmth or modesty, or add color to jeans and a t-shirt.

I have never tried the denim at Ann Taylor LOFT, so am hesitant to post anything about them. If you’re going to try them out, I would give the Modern or Marisa Fits a try, since those seem to be the ones cut smaller and with lower rises. Anyone had any luck with Ann Tayor LOFT jeans?

8 Comments

Just read your post on BR and AT loft … those two stores have been quite disappointing lately! The xxs petite at BR has also been ill-proportioned and baggy on me. However I recently noticed they had a lovely leather woven belt in a cream color that actually came in XXS and was VERY petite. Sold out quickly online, though.

I wanted to mention Theory again which has become my favorite petite brand. Their 00 pants are still too generously cut, but their 00 blazers and 0 dresses run small and some have been too small for me (approx 5 foot, 90-95 lbs). I recently found a bunch of very cute and cozy sweaters at the Theory outlet in a size "TP/P" which ran SUPER small! I usually ignore the "P" because they typically run big, but I had to completely squeeze into these. You should check them out if you have a Theory outlet near you.

I don't own any Ann Taylor or LOFT pants, because I haven't found a fabric and color I've been in love with yet, but I've tried them on before. The thigh and leg are certainly a bit baggy, but it's an easy fix to take to your tailor! I have to have every pair of dress pants slimmed in the leg and thigh.

If you find a pair of pants that you like that fit nice in the front and have a good rise, the leg, thigh, hem and waist can all be taken in.

I hate it when petite lines put side pockets on pants. It totally ruins the effect we're trying to get when we're petite – slim and lean. I can't have any fabric poking out on my upper hips, which is what happens with pants with side pockets – as much as I adore them on taller women. Theory Max C's are my favorite because of their really smart pocket placement.

I hate it when petite lines put side pockets on pants. It totally ruins the effect we're trying to get when we're petite – slim and lean. I can't have any fabric poking out on my upper hips, which is what happens with pants with side pockets – as much as I adore them on taller women. Theory Max C's are my favorite because of their really smart pocket placement.

I don't own any Ann Taylor or LOFT pants, because I haven't found a fabric and color I've been in love with yet, but I've tried them on before. The thigh and leg are certainly a bit baggy, but it's an easy fix to take to your tailor! I have to have every pair of dress pants slimmed in the leg and thigh.

If you find a pair of pants that you like that fit nice in the front and have a good rise, the leg, thigh, hem and waist can all be taken in.